The U16 National team representing the nation at the FIBA Africa Zone V Qualifiers in Kigali made a remarkable start to their qualification campaign with a thrilling victory in their first game against hosts Rwanda. The Junior Silverbacks showcased exceptional teamwork, securing a hard-fought 59-56 win to set the pace for a successful tournament.
A standout performance came from Tejan Joel Rugette, who stole the limelight by single-handedly driving the team to victory with an impressive game-high of 27 points. Rugette also contributed significantly on the boards, securing 13 rebounds and providing one assist throughout the match. Aaron Victor Makmot demonstrated his defensive prowess, claiming an outstanding 12 defensive rebounds while adding 9 points to the team’s tally. Meanwhile, team captain Christian Aine Turyahabwe delivered a solid performance with 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist, further cementing the Junior Silverbacks’ triumph.
With only one spot available in the finals, which will be held in Tunisia, the Junior Silverbacks have set their sights on glory. They are set to face off against Burundi and Tanzania in the coming matches, knowing that the table leader at the end of the qualifiers will secure their place in the finals. The team’s next challenge is against Burundi, scheduled for 7 PM at the LDK Gymnasium. Stay tuned for live updates and follow the game through the provided links. Let’s rally behind our young athletes and wish them the best of luck in their upcoming endeavors.
